Community News

State Rep. Anthony DeLuca held his 16th annual clergy breakfast with spiritual leaders throughout the community to discuss his work in Springfield, as well as to address the concerns of the leaders and field their suggestions. “I always appreciate the opportunity to sit down and talk with them,” DeLuca says. “I am grateful that we have such great individuals who not only take the time to listen, but to offer advice and potential solutions that will help me as a legislator make the best decisions for families throughout my district.”

  Banking executive Peter Volpe was honored as Man of the Year and Stone Park Mayor Beniamino Mazzulla received a Chairman’s Special Recognition Award at Casa Italia’s 47th annual gala on April 22 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison.   Peter Volpe Casa Italia is proud to present its 2017 Person of the Year Award to banking executive Peter Volpe. “Whenever duty has called, Peter has answered,” says Casa Chairman John Ferrentino. “When he joins an organization, he puts his heart and soul into it and he always emerges as a leader.” Peter is the grandson of Salvatore and Josephine …

The first meeting of the 2017 term of JCCIA officers was called to order at Trattoria Poretta. Over 70 people were in attendance, representing Italian organizations throughout Chicagoland. Among them were the Italian Chamber of Commerce, UNICO, ARSA, Italian American War Veteran, Italian American Executives of Transportation, Italian American Human Relations Foundation, Justinian Society of Lawyers, Calabresi in America Organization, Società San Giovanni Bosco SS. Crocifisso di Ciminna, Elk Grove Sister Cities, and the JCCIA Women’s Division and Young Professionals Division. On the agenda for discussion was the Columbus Day Parade. 2017 Parade Chairman Sergio Giangrande was present. Giangrande is …

The Italian American Police Association honored a trio of worthy recipients at its 53rd annual dinner dance on Nov. 5 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. Accepting Man of the Year honors was attorney David Figlioli, co-founder and general partner at Morici, Figlioli & Associates. Receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award was entertainment industry powerhouse Ron Onesti, founder and president of Onesti Entertainment. And accepting Humanitarian of the Year honors was Fr. Dan Brandt, director of the Chaplains Unit of the Chicago Police Department. Officer of the Year Awards were also bestowed.

State Rep. John D’Amico will continue to chair the House Committee on Transportation: Vehicles and Safety during the 100th General Assembly, while serving on a number of other issues critical to the state of Illinois. “As chairman of the Transportation: Vehicles and Safety committee, I will continue to focus on working with the Secretary of State’s Office to streamline and modernize services that keep motorists in Illinois safe,” D’Amico says. “I will also prioritize securing funding to improve our state’s infrastructure, which not only keeps motorists safe, but will create much-needed jobs for our community.”

The Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization honored Louis Scaramuzzo as Humanitarian of the Year on April 29 at Medinah Shrine Center in Addison.  A top performer in the luxury automobile market for three decades, Lou pours his heart and soul into every aspect of his life. With paternal grandparents Louis and Immaculata Scaramuzzo hailing from Caserta near Naples, and maternal grandparents Carmelo and Rosina Termine emigrating from Marsala in Sicily, Lou’s Italian roots run deep. The oldest Peter and Mary Scaramuzzo for children, Lou was born in Chicago and raised in Oak Lawn. “My parents grew up on Taylor Street …

  For the seventh consecutive year, Navy Pier will proudly host Neighborhoods of the World, a free seven-week series that celebrates the rich tapestry of Chicago’s diverse communities. (navypier.com/neighborhoods-world) Under the auspices of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, the culture, food and crafts of Italy will be showcased on March 5 in the Crystal Gardens. The JCCIA is looking for volunteers who will don the traditional costumes of Italy and lend a hand at the event. For details, call 708-450-9050.

  The Italo American National Union Foundation has published a cookbook titled “Let’s Eat: From Our Kitchen to Yours,” featuring 466 recipes provided by IANU members as well as family and friends. To purchase a copy, make out a check or money order to the IANU Foundation for $18 a copy (shipping and handling included) and mail it to IANU Foundation c/o Josephine Petitti; 2250 W. Golf Road, Suite 203; Hoffman Estates, IL 60169. (847-885-2074)

  The Italian American Executives of Transportation held their 2016 Dinner Dance at Alta Villa Banquets on Nov. 19. More than 500 were in attendance, making it was once again one of the largest dinner dances of the year. The IAET honored Sam Cicinelli as Man of the Year. Sam is the leader of the largest mechanics’ union in the country. An IAET member, he is the Directing Business Representative of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Automobile Mechanics’ Union Local 701, representing more than 6,400 active members and more than 4,200 retired members. He is extremely proud …

  Oak Park Police Chief Anthony Ambrose stepped up to the presidency of the Columbian Club of Chicago at the organization’s annual installation gala. “It’s an honor and a privilege to follow in the footsteps of so many great past presidents,” Ambrose says. A member since 2010, Ambrose joined “to promote our great Italian heritage and be associated with a club that believes in giving back to the community.” In addition to working his way up the ladder of succession as an officer, Ambrose has served as either chairman or co-chairman of the club’s golf outing for the last five …